That figurative load of bricks had returned. It was sitting there on his chest again, just like yesterday. Eric took a deep breath hoping to find momentary relief from the sadness, from the weight that was on him. He'd lost Marisol before, and that had been difficult, but for some reason this was harder. Calleigh. Eric figured it was because of Calleigh, he'd wanted her and his mom to become so close, and now, Eric could only tell her stories of his mother. A tear streamed down the side of his face, and instantly her hands were on his shoulders, reassuring him that she was there, right behind him. Eric reached up and placed his hand on top of Calleigh's. He sat, with his sisters and step-father, facing the casket before it was to be lowered into the ground. Calleigh stood behind Eric, paying more attention to him than anyone else.

Horatio stood next to Calleigh, his soft presence made the day easier on Calleigh for some reason. He was like family to her and Eric, and he was a comfort in his own way. Maybe it was just the familiarity of having him nearby, but Calleigh was glad he had come. The priest continued to speak. Calleigh knew the service was coming to an end, she was not ready for the rest of the day. They were going back to Adriana's house, where they would talk and eat and pretend to be happy. She would have to avoid Adriana, while staying close to Eric. If it wasn't for the sadness of the events in front of her, Calleigh could have laughed at the situation Adriana had put them in.

The service concluded and everyone who had come left quietly, while Delko family watched the casket being lowered into the ground. They stood to place dirt on the casket. Marco went first, followed by Adriana. Marco looked haggard and tired, he was a quiet man who kept to himself, but everyone could see the pain he felt. Adriana wrapped an arm around her father and led him away from the casket. Horatio stayed, standing silently in the background.

Eric stood and turned to Calleigh, he held out his hand to her. Calleigh took it and made her way around the chairs. Still holding her hand Eric bent and picked up a handful of soil, softly mumbling in Spanish he let the dirt slip from his fingers onto his mothers casket. Calleigh held tightly to his hand, not caring that her boss stood a mere ten feet away. Somehow Calleigh knew that Horatio had noticed the soft touches between the two, but either hadn't cared, or was waiting for them to come to him.

Adriana's house was filled with voices, Calleigh was surprised how quickly the house filled with people.

"Cuban families are always huge," Daniela said smiling a little, holding Eva-Maria in her arms. Calleigh laughed lightly at the stereotype. "Don't worry about remembering names, odds are you'll never see half of these people again," She concluded, placing a hand on her arm before walking away to speak with someone.

The day went well, the food that everyone prepared was wonderful, and many people came to offer condolences one last time. Horatio sat with Richard in the living room. Calleigh could tell Richard found him awkward. She smiled slightly to herself. Horatio really was awkward at first, but once you got to know him he was kind and gentle and understanding. He was a great friend to her and Eric, and a good boss as well. She made her way to him, and began speaking to him about the lab. Eva-Maria found her then, climbing up onto her lap.

"Eva-Maria, this is Horatio he is Tio Eric's boss," Calleigh introduced.

"You are Tia Marisol's husband," Eva announced proudly.

"I am," Horatio said sadly. Calleigh gave him an apologetic smile, which he ignored.

"Someday Tio Eric is going to marry Calleigh and then I can call her Tia Calleigh," Eva stated honestly. Calleigh closed her eyes when Horatio looked at her. He returned his attention to the little girl in Calleigh's arms.

"Well then, you will be a very lucky girl," Horatio stated softly to Eva, who suddenly lost interest in them and moved off of Calleigh's lap.

"Horatio…" Calleigh started in."

"We will," Horatio started, "talk about it later," placing a gentle hand on hers before getting up. Calleigh nodded her understanding. She found Eric and pulled him aside to tell him what happened. Eric nodded, glancing around to find Horatio. He was putting his suit coat on, saying goodbye to Daniela and Marco. Eric let Horatio make his way out of the house before going after him.

"H," Eric called across the yard.

"Eric," Horatio returned.

"About my niece," he started in.

"What about her?" Horatio asked, cocking his head to the side, giving Eric a small smile.

"What she said," Eric started, pausing to lick his lips. "What she said is true, I do plan to ask Calleigh to marry me," He admitted softly. He had planned to lie his way out of the situation, but he knew that eventually the truth would come out and after all Horatio had done for him, there was no point in lying.

"Okay," Horatio stated before extending his hand to Eric. "Congratulations then." He concluded. Horatio never ceased to surprise Eric. When Eric expected a lecture he got none, when he hoped Horatio would let something go, he didn't.

"What about CSI?" Eric asked after shaking Horatio's outstretched hand.

"We'll deal with that as it comes." Horatio concluded, turning to leave.

"See you tomorrow H," Eric called after him.